Position Summary:
The Florida First Amendment Foundation (FAF), the state’s leading advocate for open government, seeks a dynamic professional to lead the nonprofit as it embarks on significant growth in its mission to guarantee citizen access to public records and open meetings. Under the direction and guidance of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day administration and management of the Foundation in Tallahassee, FL.
Areas of responsibility include: the development and execution of fund-raising efforts, policy development and administration, personnel and staff management, fiscal management, and public relations. This is a full-time position located in Tallahassee, Florida. This position reports to the Foundation’s board of directors.
Duties
Fiscal
- Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to develop, facilitate and lead a strategic fund-raising plan. Develop revenue goals and targets consistent with the mission and vision of FAF that address short-term and long-term operational needs.
- Revive, revamp and market FAF’s training modules for government officials.
- Develop and administer operational policies and procedures, including grant applications.
- Ensure compliance with funding sources and regulatory requirements.
- Provide detailed information for periodic evaluation of the organization’s activities, including annual budget for Board approval.
- Ensure effective audit trails.
- Approve expenditures.
- Provide for proper fiscal record-keeping and reporting.
- Submit monthly financial statements to the Board of Directors and other reports to facilitate transparency with Board oversight.
Public Relations
- Represent FAF in all dealings with state lawmakers, other public officials, the media and concerned citizens, to serve as a nonpartisan advocate on behalf of public records and open government.
- Create and oversee a written PR strategy, including use of social media platforms to communicate with members, disseminate FAF’s policy objectives and fundraise.
- Oversee the FAF Hotline and respond to citizens’ concerns, including connecting individuals with attorneys who can help them secure public records or access to open government proceedings.
- Collaborate with media, corporate and civic organizations, including other First Amendment-oriented agencies, to coordinate programs that address issues impacting Florida residents.
- Assist the Board’s Executive Committee in planning the Agenda and materials for Board meetings. Initiate and assist in developing policy recommendations and setting priorities
- Work with the Board to raise statewide awareness, funds, and resources from the community.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proven track record of success in a leadership position overseeing operations of a non-profit organization with exposure to foundations, while maintaining solid relationships with staff, board, volunteers, donors and community.
- A minimum of two years of managerial or senior-level nonprofit leadership experience is preferred. Alternatively, significant experience as a paid or volunteer leader at a not-for-profit organization.
- Working knowledge of social media and ability to craft a communications strategy, including FAF’s existing platforms of Facebook and Twitter
- Preference given to those with nonprofit, legislative, grant writing and fundraising experience.
- A demonstrated ability to develop, implement and execute fundraising plans to support the organization’s needs.
- Knowledge of social media, and familiarity with systems such as Constant Contact, MailChimp, etc. along with Excel, QuickBooks, or similar programs
- Ability to present information, proposals, and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively in meetings. Exercise sound, expert independent judgment.
- Exercise tact, diplomacy, and discretion in dealing with highly sensitive, complex, confidential, and controversial issues and situations.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, board members, business and community leaders, employees, the public, and others encountered in the course of work.
- Willingness to travel statewide to promote the organization.
Starting pay: $85,000 a year + benefits
Application process: To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to info@floridafaf.org . Resumes received by September 5 will receive priority consideration. We will accept applications until the position is filled.
About The Florida First Amendment Foundation:
Our Mission Statement: The Florida First Amendment Foundation preserves, protects and advances the public’s right to know and keeps our government accountable to its citizens.
The First Amendment Foundation does this work primarily through education programs, litigation activities, and legislative advocacy. The First Amendment Foundation believes that government openness and transparency are critical to citizen trust and involvement in our democratic society. Through ongoing monitoring of the state’s laws and decision-making and the education of government officials and citizens, the Foundation promotes the public’s constitutional right to oversee and to participate freely in the governance process.
###